Gatekeeper of the accounting industry: Why the 150-hour CPA requirement must evolve

Becoming a Certified Public Accountant is no small feat. The CPA exam is one of the most demanding professional exams in the U.S., with a notoriously low passing rate. Adding to the challenge is the 150-hour education requirement, equivalent to a five-year degree program. When it was introduced in 1983, the additional education made sense. Interest in accounting was booming, and the educational requirement ensured that only the most qualified were entering the field. But does this requirement still hold up today?

A system rooted in the past

This decades-old rule was first introduced in Florida to raise the standards and credibility of the profession, and the other 49 states followed suit over time. Today, the extra year of education — with its significant time commitment and cost — is turning potential CPAs away, especially when they can pursue alternative careers with just a four-year degree. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that we’ll need around 126,500 new accountants and auditors every year for the next decade to keep pace with the growing number of businesses and maintain the economy’s health, but the U.S. currently produces about 65,305 accounting graduates annually. 

Additionally, researchers from MIT Sloan found that adding a fifth year of education has yet to improve the quality of CPAs. The accounting profession shares a similar sentiment. In fact, according to Intuit QuickBooks’ 2024 Accountant Tech survey, nearly all (98%) accountants agree that alternative pathways to CPA licensure can prepare upcoming accountants as effectively as or more effectively than the traditional 150-hour pathway. Instead, the 150-hour requirement has led to a significant 26% drop in minority entrants into the profession. In essence, we’re just making it harder for talented people to enter the field, which doesn’t promote diversity or benefit the industry.

As fresh talent struggles to break into the industry, seasoned CPA-certified accountants are exiting just as noticeably. According to the International Federation of Accountants, over 300,000 U.S. accountants and auditors left their jobs between 2020 and 2022, leading to a 17% decline in registered CPAs. As college enrollment in accounting programs declines and firms continue to face severe staffing shortages, what once raised the bar in the industry has become a stumbling block. 

Rethinking the CPA path

It’s time to reevaluate the 150-hour rule and consider whether an additional year of education is necessary to become a CPA. Instead, the industry should consider substituting practical work experience. This approach could combine four years of college education with two years of relevant, hands-on accounting experience. Another consideration: allow anyone with a bachelor’s degree to take the CPA exam, regardless of their field of study. If they can pass one of the most challenging professional exams in the country, their major should not be a barrier to entry. 

To further streamline the profession and adapt to modern work practices, we should advocate for automatic mobility of CPA licenses across all states. Just as a driver’s license issued in one state allows you to drive anywhere in the country, a CPA license should grant the ability to practice in any state without additional hurdles.

These alternatives could open the door to a broader range of candidates, including those who cannot afford five years of college or come from different educational backgrounds.

Adapting to modern times

Finally, we must embrace innovation and advancements in technology. As education evolves, so should our approach to CPA licensing. For example, we have coding bootcamps that turn people into software developers in months, so why not have the same for accounting? These fast-track programs could provide focused, practical training and allow people to enter the accounting profession more quickly and conveniently without sacrificing the necessary skills and curriculum needed for success. 

We’re already seeing similar programs in action, like Intuit Quickbooks’ ProAdvisor program, which offers beginner to advanced training programs that help individuals earn Continuing Professional Education credits. By adopting and expanding a similar training model for CPA certification, we can uphold high standards and make the path to becoming a CPA more accessible and adaptable for those interested in the profession.

While the creation of the 150-hour CPA requirement was well-intentioned, the needs of the accounting industry have evolved. With so many businesses relying on CPAs to manage their finances, it’s time to rethink this requirement to attract and retain the talent needed to drive the economy forward.